Home Depot tests downsized kitchen showrooms

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Home Depot is tinkering with the idea of cutting back the space dedicated to kitchen showrooms. "We're piloting the removal of up to 40% of the space dedicated to kitchen showrooms," said Craig Menear, Home Depot's EVP merchandising, during the company's recent investor and analyst conference.

The reason, according to Menear: The kitchen industry is down about 50% from three years ago. A typical Home Depot store has about 1,500 sq. ft. devoted to showrooms and kitchens. The plan would be to use the space more efficiently, including introducing more space for assembled cabinets, and increased emphasis on refacing programs, he said.

"Reducing our kitchen space and showrooms allows us to make better utilization and productivity of that space," Menear added.